Oblate News

A tribute to Fr Eugene Clerkin OMI

From the Oblate Province of Southern Africa

A tribute to Fr Eugene Clerkin OMI From the Oblate Province of Southern Africa 

Fr Eugene Clerkin OMI came to South Africa soon after his ordination in February 1963. His first appointment in 1964 was to the Zulu mission at Inchanga, close to Durban. During his missionary life in South Africa, he served in several parishes in the Archdiocese of Durban.

Eugene Clerkin OMI

He is especially remembered by the Catholic community of the Indian township of Chatsworth, where he served the longest period. One parishioner who was a recipient of his generous kindness says: ‘Fr Clerkin embraced the lives of the people of South Africa and had become an integral part our family in Chatsworth, Durban. His humble and down-to-earth nature drew the hearts of parishioners and the non-Catholic community alike. His giving and supportive ways in building families and taking an interest in the education and catechetics of the youth will always be appreciated. He was always perceptive of the sufferings of others. We will always be grateful for the spiritual role he played in our lives.’ The people remember that he lived his vow of poverty in an exceptional way; always thrifty, always seeking ways to recycle the use of many things.

The recent brochure of the 50^th anniversary of St John’s in Chatsworth noted, ‘Fr Clerkin will also be remembered for his love for the elderly and sick that he transported to public hospitals and clinics. He also provided bursaries and assistance to widows who appealed to him for help.’ There are many anecdotes of his charity that touched many people.

His Oblate brothers remember particularly his generosity to a fault. Once you got beyond his first line of questions, he would be ready to do anything for anyone at any time. Fr Clerkin was a faithful son of St Eugene de Mazenod. May he rest in peace.

Fr Eugene of the Oblate Community Inchicore and formerly Castleblayney and South Africa, and former Chaplain to Cuan Mhuire, Bruree, Limerick, went to his Eternal Reward on Saturday November 2nd, peacefully, in the tender care of the staff of Mullinahinch Nursing Home, Monaghan. Fr. Eugene is the loving brother of Sister Mary SSL, Fr. Matthew OFM Cap., Bríd (Donnelly), Bernadette (Ward), Seamus and the late Pat and Fr. Sean. He is sadly missed by his family, relatives, friends and the Oblate Community.